1 alpha-hydroxyvitamin D3 treatment of therapy-resistant symptomatic hypocalcemia in a hypoparathyroid patient with intestinal malabsorption.

The case history of a hypoparathyroid female with short bowel syndrome and long-standing therapy-resistant symptomatic hypocalcemia is reported. During treatment with massive doses of the potent vitamin D analog, 1 alpha-hydroxyvitamin D3(1 alpha(OH)D3), normocalcemia was re-established and clinical symptoms of hypocalcemia were relieved. Furthermore, significant improvement of t of intestinal calcium absorption and bone mineral content was observed after three months of treatment with 1 alpha(OH)D3. The data suggest that 1 alpha(OH)D3 may be of therapeutical value in patients with hypoparathyroidism and intestinal malabsorption.